Success StoryHometown Health Challenge



Hometown Health Challenge

Author: Asa Conkwright

Planning Unit: Grant County CES

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Plan of Work: Improving Physically and Mentally

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Since the pandemic, Grant County has seen an increase in prevalence of negative health factors associated with lack of physical activity such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The FCS agent worked with the organization Fitness for Life Around Grant County (FFLAG) to revamp and older program called "the Biggest Winner" and change it to the "Hometown Health Challenge." The program was a large community wide program.The focus of the program was to hold different classes that were centered around the 8 dimensions of health; Physical, emotional, Environmental, Social, Spiritual, Intellectual, Occupational and Financial wellness. Community partners included the 4-H Extension Agent, the Grant County Famers Market, Northern Kentucky Health Department, Grant County School lunch director and teachers, Grant County Public Library, Grant County Parks & Recreation, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Body Works and Killer Bees Gyms, Grant County Drugs, and Edward Jones. Classes include topics such as smoking succession, diabetes management, cooking and nutrition classes, yoga (seated and standing), morning walk programs, marathon preparation, belly dancing, martial arts, gardening, composting, and park cleanup programs. The partners also took weights for participants if they wanted and provided a blood sugar measurement at the program kickoff event. Participants along with classes were given a free month of membership with Body Works Gym and had access to their regular programs as well. The program took place over the entire month of April. 

The program had over 60 participants including many participants from the Grant County Special Olympics. Several participants attended the send off at the end of the program and reported they had lost weight during the program. Participants also reported positive changes in diets, creating and maintaining physical activity routines, and reported that they learned a lot of new information pertaining to subjects such as calories, serving sizes, and recipes to cook at home.






Stories by Asa Conkwright


Affordable Seafood Cooking

about 2 years ago by Asa Conkwright

With the pandemic in force, supply chain issues, and inflation, buying food has become a financial b... Read More


Estate Planning

about 2 years ago by Asa Conkwright

While death can be an unpleasant topic to talk about, it is still a very important one. With the glo... Read More


Stories by Grant County CES


Cooking Wild with Kentucky Wild Game

Cooking Wild with Kentucky Wild Game

about 2 years ago by Ari Veach

Hunting is a popular activity for people to do with their kids here in the state. With Kentuckys vas... Read More


Babysitting Made Easy

Babysitting Made Easy

about 2 years ago by Ari Veach

Babysitting made easy for all! What an amazing two days we had at the extension office with Babysitt... Read More